Endless Chain

Shenandoah Album #2

by Emilie Richards

With the warmth and comfort of a handmade quilt, Endless Chain explores the intricate patterns of family and community, and the threads that bind them together

Sam Kinkade is finally feeling at home as a minister in rural Toms Brook, Virginia, content with his life and Shenandoah Valley congregation. But his plans to welcome the area's growing Hispanic community are being met with resistance. Fortunately, when the church-run community center is threatened, a stranger named Elisa Martinez walks through his door and Sam realizes he has found a woman capable of building bridges.

Elisa isn't looking to make connections. She has come to Toms Brook to hide. But despite her fears of discovery she is enchanted by the beautiful work and the friendship offered by the women who invite her to join their quilting circle. And even though she fears the consequences for both of them, she finds herself powerfully drawn to Sam, and to a generations-old love story rooted in the town's past.

Will she and Sam repeat the past, or can they find the love and the freedom they seek at last?

Previously published

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Audiobook, Chick Lit, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Quilting

570 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published June 1, 2005

About the author

I'm the author of seventy-something novels, including romance, women's fiction and mystery. When We Were Sisters debuted in June 2016, a stand alone novel about two foster sisters traveling back into their past together. I loved writing it and love the cover my publisher chose.

I'm also excited about my recent series, Goddesses Anonymous, which started with One Mountain Away and was followed by Somewhere Between Luck and Trust. The third book in the series, A River Too Wide, came out in July 2014. The Color of Light debuted in August 2015. Will there be more? We'll see.

I'm also putting up my newly edited romance backlist and love re-reading and updating them a bit.

Last year my husband and I moved from Virginia, to Osprey, Florida, the state where both of us were raised, met, and married. In the summer we live in Chautauqua, New York. I'm a quilter, knitter, kayaker, and the mother of four children, whom I regard as my greatest creative endeavors. And now there are four wonderful grandchildren to spoil.

Visit me at my web site, emilierichards.com, and my blog, www.emilierichards.com/blog. You can also find me at Twitter and on my Facebook reader page.

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a rereading for me and the second time around feels even better than the first. From the first book in the series we meet again the older woman - Helen, who is a total queen of quilting. This time around I appreciated all the quilting references even more, now that I am quilting.

I loved Sam and his outstanding approach to his ministry and believe in standing up for what is right even when it upsets others and lands him in trouble with the law. Elisa's story was so relevant even to today's world. Even wonderful stories like this do not change the world we live in unfortunately. However it does show the value of truth and justice and love. And how wonderful it is when those who believe make a stand for them.

I loved the story within the story of those who hung quilts out with black squares to guide the slaves who were making a bid for freedom, and the story of Dory told through letters found.

The narration by Isabel Keating was amazing, it brought the people alive so well. Totally in love with her interpretation of a well written book.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rereading via audio.

I went straight into this book after Wedding Ring. I was pleased to meet Helen and quilters again, and to see further into Tessa's life. This story is Sam's. By the end some tears were shed, and I had been fully engrossed in this book, again the sense of community was outstanding as ER explored the issue of integrating 'outsiders' into a place. A wonderful story.

[Gloria ~ mzglorybe · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the Shenandoah series based in Virginia, this one features a woman, Elisa Martinez who comes to the Community Church in the small town to seek employment as a sexton to the Pastor, Rev. Sam Kincaid. A private, mysterious woman of many talents, Elisa's bi-lingual abilities are a God-send to Rev. Sam in establishing an English Immersion class for the children of farm workers in the area.

Ms. Richards writes of life in a small town very much like it usually is. There are several sub-plots, not just Elisa's story going on here - many pieces that come together just like a well-crafted quilt: "Endless Chain" is the perfect title. Again, Ms. Richards does not disappoint with her engaging characters, peeks into the past generations, a lot of history and thought provoking situations. Loved it!

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eliza came to Toms Brook for a reason, but then she met Sam Kinkade the minister of the the local church and was hired to be the new sexton. The Quilting Bee welcomed her and she became involved with them and many other aspects of the town. We know she is hiding something, or from something and it was very interesting to find out what. I liked the way this story evolved and I'm looking forward to reading more books in this series. Its not a story about quilting, but quilting weaves its way through the book.

[Jessie Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderfully written book. Complete with vivid characters, diverse situations, and heartwarming moments. The story itself catches your attention added with the underlying irony of the leading man's habits it's near impossible to not laugh out loud.
I found myself drawn to Sam's unethical behaviors that seemed to occur though his intentions were so honorable. His character definately reminded me that no one is perfect, even really good people... say, a man of the cloth.
The mystery of Elisa's past held my interest to begin with, but then the instant feelings that blossomed between her and Sam without so much of a touch grabbed me by the heart and wouldn't let me give up hope for a happy ending.
I loved everything about this book. I found a lot of my own beliefs mirrored inside the pages. I will definately be reading more from Emilie!

[Darcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was intrigued what the common thread was going to be in this series, turns out it is the quilts. I liked the story that was told with the first book, this book was much the same. I liked that Helen was around to berate people. While it took me a bit to warm up to her in the first book, by the end I did like her. I liked the quilting bee and how Helen was keeping them on task and how she got the pastor to hire the right person.

Elisa was interesting, more so as her story unfolded. I loved that it seemed to mirror somewhat what was going on with the letters, especially when you knew the connection. I was so so on the relationship that was developing between Elisa and Sam, mostly because Sam was already engaged, even though it was obvious the relationship was done. I wondered why each of them held on so tight.

I thought the way that Elisa bridged both worlds was great as it showed some very real issues that happen in a lot of communities. I really liked how the message that the pastor preached seemed to come to a head with Elisa's life in a slightly different way than the letters. I was proud of the church for their actions at the end.

I thought the ending was great, it fit all the characters involved.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a fairly good read. I was getting a little impatient for the heroine's story to unfold. A few things didn't sit right with me in this book. 1. He didn't think he HAD to report child abuse... he thought it was up to his own discretion. 2. He waited until he fell in love with someone else before he broke off his engagement, and yet he was supposed to have very strong morals. 3. the whole climax thing at the end I found confusing and not well thought out. I am not sure why he got more jail time, and how convenient that her political troubles could be taken care of withing 6 months. A little too far fetched for me.

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this novel has many elements of the unrealistic romance, and more than that, a Christian romance, I have to give it kudos for supporting the cause of of our unjust involvement in Central America. Additionally, it showed the human side of undocumented workers - and why would they be presented any other way (but they are). And, as if there wasn't enough about man's inhumanity to man, she threw in a a little story about slavery and the Underground Railroad.

[Jillwitucki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, made me cry near the end--what could be better than that!
Not only a rich story, it contains Christian messages and examples of lives well lived. I found it inspirational, but not at all "preachy". Also, much information about Guatemala and the government and oppression there. You feel great by the end, and it gives much food for thought.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am totally impressed with the way Emilie Richards brought several issues around and tied them up neatly! I really think before you read this one- you need to read the "Wedding Ring". That way you understand better who the characters are, and what their past has been.
I won't give away any spoilers, but I will definitely say this was a really good story.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very enjoyable. I am kind of sad it is over. The characters were rich, and the story line captivating. Keating did a beautiful job in narrating it (I am a fan of hers)and connecting me with the characters. This book took me back to my days in Virginia. I definitely would recommend this book to my friends.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great, interesting characters. I love the intersecting characters and plot lines. The secrets were exposed in a slow and interesting way that kept me paying attention. I can't quite pin what stopped me from loving it- maybe Sam didn't necessarily seem like a realistic pastor, and Leon's dad seemed too stereotypical and one dimensional. Overall though, interesting story, good read.

[Kim (Kimsrdnbks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second in the Shenandoah series. I already love hearing about the secondary characters from the first book. So glad I found a new author to binge on.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read but also teaches a lesson on intolerance of the Latino community in America. It is a mystery too :).

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once again I find myself saying the same thing about Emilie Richards writing is that I liked the book, but didn't like it. The story line was okay and the characters seemed a little too false.

[Wendy T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this 2nd book in the Shenandoah Album series.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too much romance and not enough quilts! It was well-written, though.

[Elizabeth Meadows · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book because I loved the first one so much. However I had a couple of issues that I had difficulty seeing past.
First of all, I enjoyed the mystery, intrigue and historical side-story involving a fugitive slave. Also, the story line regarding civil rights in Guatemala made me interested to learn more. But there were some serious character flaws & situations that I really hated to see portrayed the way they were. The main character was a minister who's moral values do not really reflect what I believe a man in a church leadership role should have. Then there is the villain of the story who is written in as a church deacon. He is a real mess! I don't think the author should have made him a deacon. He could have just been a member of the congregation or someone in an appointed or elected leadership role. In every church I have ever been a part of, deacons are fine upstanding men of strong moral fiber who glorify God and are called by him to serve. If the "deacon" from this story was someone I met in real life, I would have difficulty even believing that he was a Christian, much less someone who answered God's call to serve the church. No one who behaves the way that he did in this book would ever be ordained as a deacon, in my opinion.

Now that I got that off my chest, I will say that I was glad to see Helen and other characters from the first book. I had originally thought that this book was going to just be about new characters, so I was happy that the characters from the first book played a role in this book.
I listened to this book on audio and I really enjoyed the narrator Isabel Keating. I do plan to continue the series, I just hope that the moral standards of the church leaders will improve.

[Jennipher7 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most impactful book I have read so far this year. The way the writer dealt with the social issues that arose page after page, chapter after chapter was so pragmatic. It made me think, “this is exactly how I would have dealt with those issues or this this is how I would have aspired to to solve these issues.” The relationship between Sam Kinkade and Christine Fletcher clearly brought out personality difference as a conflict or rather a solid factor in the requisite of a breakup. This is something I always couldn’t bring myself to accept as a deal breaker in a relationship, selfishly, for others. The end of this relationship is how I like relationships I f that nature to end in real life; amicably and both parties acknowledging their wrongs. It did evoke emotions in me that were meant to be evoked when reading such a piece.The slave story of Doris Beamount as an interlude of the story of Sam and Elisa was unexpected to say the least and greatly portrays the social and political views of the writer which are right in many ways and even more fascinating was the similarities of that story to Elisa Martinez’. On a lighter note I thoroughly enjoyed the sarcasm in the transcribed minutes by Dovey K. Lanning. As far as books go how do things culminate 78% deep in the book not discounting how interesting it’s been from the beginning? Every other characters story ended smoothly.
I had mixed feelings about the ending but one thing’s for sure, I had fulfillment.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This surprising story set in 2005 rural Virginia reminded me of Barbara Kingsolver's novels. It is a romance, a mystery, a Christian novel, and a radical political statement. The main character Elisa Martinez, who says she is a legal immigrant from Mexico, is hired by Rev. Sam Kinkade to work as a custodian at Shenandoah Community Church. As Elisa gets to know all the locals and their stories, including Sam's, she eventually becomes comfortable enough to share her own true story. Also there is quilting and Elisa's quilt is in the pattern known as "endless chain."

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book takes us into the Shenandoah area where a small church presides. A young woman appears and asked for the job of sexton. She is an extremely hard worker and begins to make friends among the congregation and with the Spanish speaking community. As time goes by, she gets the notice of the young minister. They work well together and soon there is a spark. But there are secrets and it takes time for the hidden past to be revealed.

[Joy Kidney · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazingly multi-layered tale that spans the Americas while delving into themes of immigration, inclusion in the church, letting go of unrealistic expectations and impossibilities, even God's mysterious ways. Endless Chain is a quilt patters. Quilts tie the story together in a poignant way, even to the Underground Railroad. Richly drawn characters with fascinating backstories.

[Kari · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute little romance with a big twist at the end. However, the relationship between Sam and Elisa ramped up WAY too quickly. It was a typical romance book though in that you knew they had to end up together, he would stand up for her in her time of need etc. If you want a nice romance, grab this one. If you're looking for stand out holy cow novel? Skip it.

[Sinda Conrad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam Kincaid is a pastor at a church in a small town. Elisa is a newcomer to town who has applied for a position at the church. But is Elisa who she says she is or is she someone who is running and hiding from her past. A great story involving a town and the problems facing it and the church. I love the book and really like the Shenandoah Valley Series.

[Phyllis Barlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever read a book you just don't want to end? That's how I felt about this one. My only regret is that I didn't read it sooner. I've had it in my bookcase for years and somehow overlooked it.
I read the first installment of this series, Wedding Ring, many years ago but I'm going to search for a copy and reread it.
I also can't wait to read the rest of this series.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, author Emilie Richards does not disappoint. From her endearing characters to the intriguing plot this book held my interest. Her books are long but so well written that the reader does not get bored. Well done, Emilie! I love this Shenandoah Album series - this was #2.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just did not love this one like I did the first one in the series.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was disappointed by how large it book it was that she just ended it rather abruptly. It felt hurried. But it was a great read as most all her books are

[Haytham Mohamed · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much "محن"

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 2nd in a series. Easy read and it includes quilts.